Dog-Safe Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Christmas treats aren’t just for humans anymore! If your dog watches you bake with curious eyes and a wagging tail, this festive season is the perfect time to include them in the fun. Homemade dog-safe gingerbread cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas with your fur baby—without worrying about harmful ingredients like sugar, nutmeg, or artificial sweeteners.
These treats are easy to make, smell amazing, and are packed with ingredients that are safe, gentle, and healthy for dogs. Let’s get baking!
Traditional gingerbread cookies aren’t dog-friendly, but when made the right way, ginger can actually help with digestion and tummy comfort. Homemade treats also mean:
- No preservatives or additives
- Complete control over ingredients
- A healthier, festive snack your dog will love
Dog-Safe Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
Base Ingredients (Option 1 – Classic & Simple)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg
Option 2 – Grain-Free Version
- 2 cups oat flour or chickpea flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Option 3 – Extra Gentle for Sensitive Tummies
- 2 cups rice flour
- ½ cup mashed banana
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🚫 Avoid nutmeg, sugar, honey, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and salt.
Step-by-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour; if too dry, add water or applesauce a teaspoon at a time.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters (bones, stars, or gingerbread shapes!) to cut cookies.
- Place cookies on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until firm but not too hard.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let cookies sit inside for another 30 minutes.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze for up to 2 months
These cookies smell festive, taste delicious, and are soft enough for most dogs to enjoy. The ginger and cinnamon add natural warmth, while ingredients like pumpkin, banana, and peanut butter support digestion and overall health.
Most importantly, they’re made with love—and dogs can always tell.
This Christmas, skip store-bought treats and gift your pup a healthy, homemade snack they can safely enjoy. After all, the holidays are better when every family member—four-legged ones included—gets a special treat.
Happy baking and wagging tails!